Trade Opportunities

The IBEW 353 has partnered with The Aboriginal Apprenticeship Board of Ontario (AABO), Workforce Warriors, The Career Foundation, YWCA Toronto and Workers Health and Safety Centre to bring forward the Electric Pathway Program (The Pathway), a unique program preparing pre apprentices for entry into the IBEW 353 electrical trade. 

The 2022 – 2023 Pathway intakes will be for women, or anyone identifying as a woman, two spirit, nonbinary or other non-cis gendered persons with a welcoming focus on Indigenous and racialized and newcomer workers. The Pathway Program will provide 15 weeks foundational electrical skills training and arrange for 10 weeks job placement with IBEW employers, for each participant.

Tomorrow’s Trades was created to build pathways and remove barriers for those traditionally underrepresented in the skilled trades, including women, indigenous youth, black youth, persons with disabilities, newcomers, at-risk youth, returning veterans, reservists, cadets, and those from racialized communities. We want to equip those interested in pursuing a career in skilled trades with the construction sector essential skills needed to become a high-quality apprentice.

This 16-week pre-apprenticeship program is a earn-while-you-learn program that gives housing providers an opportunity to connect work that needs to get done in their buildings with the people in their buildings that need the work. Building Up was developed in Toronto to improve the city’s environmental efficiency, affordable housing stock, and most of all – to create a real pathway for individuals experiencing barriers to enter apprenticeships and careers in the trades. 

Quick Start in Construction is a new program that prepares those who want to work in construction trades to get ready with basic requirements and certifications, including Working at Heights, Elevated Work Platforms, WHMIS and Workplace Violence and Harassment.

YWCA Hamilton offers various Pre-Apprenticeship programs for Women in Trades.  These programs are offered at no-cost, and provide participants with technical training and job coaching to start their skilled trades career.

STAR 4-Women (Skilled Trades Awareness and Readiness) is funded by Employment and Social Development Canada. This is a part-time program for women and gender-diverse individuals who want an introduction to skilled trades career options. For 8 weeks, participants receive free programming which includes: trades industry information and exploration, health and safety certification, site visits in the GTA, hands-on skills training, professional networking, job readiness workshops and personalized career consultation. January, May and September start dates.

Explore various trades through an Indigenous led program. 10 weeks of full subsidized learning and skills building + 10 week paid work-placement. Course runs from September 20, 2022 - November 25, 2022. Visit Mohawk College website for details

This program is for those who have the passion and interest for the Brick & Stone Masonry trade but lack the skills to be hired as an Apprentice by a masonry employer. This 28-32 week program provides basic theory and hands-on training for the brick and stone masonry field and introduction to refractory and restoration.